[JLRC]

Brand New Maritime Safety and Security Training Environment Against the Greatest Threats at Sea
 
 
(Source: Rheinmetall De Tec; issued Sept. 27, web-posted Sept. 28, 2004)
 
 
 For some years now, besides the classic threats of fire and water inrush, the greatest risks at sea have been, above all, maritime terrorism and piracy. Safety and security issues are thus a high priority, as shown in the regulations of the new ISPS Code with its considerably tightened security requirements.  
 
Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH, one of the worlds leading manufacturers for high-level maritime simulation systems, now presents the first holistic training and education concept for Safety and Security at Sea. Core of this new concept is the brand new Safety and Security Trainer, tailored for the first time especially to safety and security aspects.  
 
The concept will cover all aspects of Safety and Security like fire on board, inrush of water, collision, running aground, person over board, evacuation, damage/destruction of ship, hijacking or seizure, attacks, use of ship to cause incidents or as a weapon and so on.  
 
The system provides the development and combination of simulated catastrophe scenarios, technical malfunctions, chain reactions by for individual or team training possibilities. Access to every deck by a detailed graphical representation, complete functioning systems (electrical systems, engines, ruder, etc), communication possibilities like aboard a real ship and everything in real time characterizes the functionality of the simulator.  
 
The Safety and Security Trainer can be configured for team training or individual student training. In team mode the students are situated on one and the same ship, so communication, interactions and decision making of an emergency situation can effectively be trained. Alternatively to a team, students can individually train his skills in his own exercises on his own ship.  
 
Furthermore the system will be completed by all necessary documentation like corresponding courseware, contingency plans etc.  
 
The new Safety and Security Training Environment comprises amongst other things the following advantages:  
 
--Covers all ISPS required training aspects, from Advanced Fire Fighting to Ship Security / Company Security Officers Training and Crowd and Crisis Management  
--The concept includes all documentation necessary to manage a maritime emergency situation including courseware, contingency plans, train-the trainer courses etc.  
--Safety and Security Trainer can be configured in two different modes: team training and individual student training  
--Own ship model can be tailored to customers requirements  
--For greater intensity of training, debriefing with replay of exercises and assessment is possible.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Raytheon and Navy Celebrate Tomahawk Block IV Fleet Introduction  
 
 
(Source: Raytheon Company; issued Sept. 29, 2004)
 
 
 TUCSON, Ariz. --- The U.S. Navy today formally welcomed Raytheon Company’s Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile into the Navy’s arsenal at a fleet introduction ceremony at the Pentagon. The Block IV officially achieved initial operating capability (IOC) on May 27, 2004, with the loading of the first missile onboard USS Stethem (DDG-63), a guided missile destroyer.  
 
“The Block IV Tomahawk provides a substantial battlefield edge to our warfighters,” said Navy Capt. Bob Novak, Tomahawk All-Up-Round program manager. “It is a great day for the Navy to formally celebrate the hard work of the Navy-Raytheon team that enabled the fleet introduction of this revolutionary weapon, whose flexible targeting and loitering capabilities build on the tremendous 32-year tradition and success of the legacy Tomahawk program.”  
 
“Raytheon is proud to provide the Navy with this new weapon with expanded warfighting capabilities that position weapons as nodes in the integrated network of the future battlespace,” said Louise L. Francesconi, Raytheon Missile Systems president. “The Block IV Tomahawk is the result of the collective commitment of the Navy and Raytheon to provide affordable, operational capabilities for critical long-range, precision strike missions.”  
 
Block IV Tomahawk is the centerpiece of the Navy’s new Tomahawk Baseline IV Weapons System. The system integrates the Block IV missile with improved mission planning and platform weapons control capabilities. This latest version of the Navy’s surface- and submarine-launched precision strike standoff weapon incorporates innovative technologies to provide unprecedented operational capabilities while dramatically reducing acquisition, operations and support costs. The Block IV costs less than half the price of a newly built Block III missile. Additionally, the Block IV missile will have a 15-year warranty and recertification cycle, compared to the Block III variant’s eight-year recertification cycle.  
 
The new capabilities that Block IV Tomahawk brings to the Navy’s sea strike capability are derived from the missile’s two-way satellite data link that enables the missile to respond to changing battlefield conditions. The strike controller can “flex” the missile in flight to preprogrammed alternate targets or redirect it to a new target. This targeting flexibility includes the capability to loiter over the battlefield awaiting a more critical target. The missile can also transmit battle damage indication imagery and missile health and status messages via the satellite data link. For the first time, firing platforms will have the capability to plan and execute Global Positioning System-only missions. Block IV will also introduce an improved anti-jam GPS receiver for enhanced mission performance.  
 
The Navy and Raytheon have entered into a five-year multi-year procurement contract to replenish Tomahawk inventory at the most affordable cost. The Tomahawk missile is the Navy’s weapon of choice for critical, long-range precision strike missions against high value, heavily defended targets.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Tomahawk Program Completes First Two Tests of Production Block IV Missiles
 
 
(Source: US Navy; issued Sept. 29, 2004)
 
 
 PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- The U.S. Navy’s Tomahawk program completed two successful tests of the new block IV (Tactical Tomahawk) Tomahawk missile in September.  
 
Sept. 16, the first Production Verification Test was conducted at Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Indian Head Division. The test capability at Indian Head allowed the missile to be launched while secured to a ground test stand and test the entire weapon, including the rocket motor, engine and guidance and navigation systems. A U.S. Navy Tomahawk block IV missile, with an inert warhead, was installed into Indian Head’s Functional Ground Test Facility and “launched,” completing a simulated mission.  
 
A second test was conducted Sept. 21 aboard USS Stethem (DDG 63), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer under way in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of southern Calif. A U.S. Navy Tomahawk cruise missile was launched and flew a land-attack mission, launching from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) sea ranges. The test marked the first such use of a new Tomahawk block IV production missile.  
 
Seconds after launch from the ship’s vertical launch system, the Tomahawk missile transitioned to cruise flight, utilizing global positioning satellite navigation to a target site on the NAVAIR land range. The block IV missile flew a fully-guided 674-nautical-mile flight.  
 
“Both of these tests were good indicators of the quality of the Block IV missile being built by Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson,” said Capt. Bob Novak, program manager for the Tomahawk All-Up-Round Programs (PMA-280). “We took two missiles off of our production line and tested them in environments that allow us to learn about our quality and the capability that we are delivering to the fleet. We are very pleased at the initial assessment of the missile test data. It reflects well on the tremendous team effort of the Navy-Raytheon Team.”  
 
Tomahawk missiles are deployed throughout the world’s oceans on numerous surface ships and submarines, including Aegis-class cruisers, guided-missile destroyers, and Seawolf- and Los Angeles-class submarines.  
 
As in all Tomahawk flight tests, air route safety was carefully planned in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration. For safety purposes, the Tomahawk could have been guided by commands from safety chase aircraft.  
 
The Tomahawk program is managed by the Program Executive Office, Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation (PEO(W)) co-located at the NAVAIR complex in Patuxent River, Md. The missile is manufactured by Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz. Tomahawk is a registered trademark of the U.S. Navy.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

New International Submarine Rescue Coordination Center Opens  
 
 
(Source: US Navy; Issued Sept. 29, 2004)
 
 
 NORFOLK, Va. --- The International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO) was officially activated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Naval Support Activity Norfolk Sept. 27.  
 
Vice Adm. Kirkland H. Donald, commander, Naval Submarine Forces and Allied Submarine Command, and the ISMERLO team did the honors, cutting the ribbon and opening the door to a new approach to submarine rescue.  
 
ISMERLO is the international hub for information and coordination on submarine rescue. Any time a submarine runs into trouble, ISMERLO can quickly post the word on the Internet, find a system capable of rescuing the submarine, and coordinate a rescue effort in support of the country involved.  
 
“What we’re trying to do here is provide some improvement in the international community of submarine escape and rescue capability,” Donald said. “It’s really the culmination of a large amount of hard work on the part of a lot of people to make this come to fruition.”  
 
ISMERLO is a small office with an essential mission.  
 
“When you look at contributions - actual people in-house - it’s Norway, Spain and the U.S. contribution,” said ISMERLO Coordinator William Orr, “but in reality, ISMERLO is something bigger. The knowledge management database requires the updating and input by all the participating nations for the information that’s on the Web site to be valid, and to provide the information exchange that’s necessary in the event of an accident,” he explained.  
 
“ISMERLO is not the group that’s directing everything and having all these rescue systems fly all over the world,” Orr added. “ISMERLO is the facilitation - the liaison office - between the nation that has a disabled submarine and the rest of the submarine escape and rescue community that will be providing rescue assistance.”  
 
Orr said ISMERLO was inspired in part by the tragedy of the Russian submarine Kursk (K-141), which sank in the Atlantic Ocean in 2000.  
 
“What we found was, during the Kursk [incident], there was very little coordination between the nations,” he said. “Each nation had their own plan of the way they would execute a submarine rescue.”  
 
“We hadn’t ever really gotten down to ‘how do we coordinate the whole thing up until the time we start getting the people out of the submarine?’“ Orr added. “Because of the limited amount of survivability, that’s going to become critical.”  
 
ISMERLO will use its Web site, as the primary medium for submarine rescue coordination. Part of the Web site’s function, Orr said, is “to provide a relatively easy format to provide information to decision makers, or people who just need to know where the rescue is and what’s going on.  
 
“So when a disaster occurs, there are faces and names; people know who to call, everything’s going to be quicker,” he said. “And that’s what ISMERLO is supposed to do, is provide the most rapid possible response.”  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

South Korean Navy Succeeds in Lightweight Torpedo Test
 
 
(Source: Korean Information Service; issued Sept. 30, 2004)
 
 
 The South Korean Navy has successfully tested an anti-submarine lightweight torpedo called the Cheongsangeo (Blue Shark), which can be launched both at sea and from the air, a researcher at the Agency for Defense Development said.  
 
The Cheongsangeo, developed with Korean technology for the first time, will boost the Navy’s anti-submarine combat capability, said Lee Jae-myung. It can be launched from warships and from the air by P-3C maritime surveillance patrol aircraft.  
 
In eight-shot test-firing sequences between July and September, the torpedoes hit unmanned targets at depths of 40 to 50 meters in the East Sea.  
 
The 280 kilogram, 2.7-meter long torpedo, which can attain a speed of more than 45 knots (83 kilometers per hour), was developed at a cost of about 50 billion won ($43 million) beginning in 1995.  
 
Each torpedo carries an estimated one billion won price tag, almost half that of a similar foreign-made torpedo.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

US Navy Accepts Tactical Tomahawk Missile to Fleet
 
 
(Source: US Department of Defense; issued Sept. 29, 2004)
 
 
 WASHINGTON --- The Navy has placed another arrow in its quiver as it celebrated the acceptance of the Tactical Tomahawk cruise missile to the fleet during ceremonies at the Pentagon today.  
 
John Young, Navy assistant secretary, called the missile system "an elegant solution" that adds new capabilities to the fleet while costing taxpayers half of what the current Tomahawk costs.  
 
The system, built by Raytheon Missile Systems, has already been loaded aboard some ships and has new capabilities that make it far more useful to warfighters, said Navy Capt. Robert E. Novak Jr., Tomahawk program manager. The new "Block 4" missile carries a two-way satellite link that allows operators to reprogram the missile in flight.  
 
"This gives commanders targeting flexibility," Novak said. Commanders can switch the missile from one target to another after launch. The missile can also loiter over an area to wait for higher-value targets.  
 
The new missile also delivers messages of its health and accuracy back to operators and can transmit limited battle damage imagery. The system has enhanced anti-jam global positioning system receivers.  
 
The total buy is up to 2,200 missiles over a five-year cycle. The total cost of the program is $1.6 billion. Each missile will cost about $729,000, down from the $1.4 million each for the Block 3 Tomahawks, now in the fleet.  
 
The Tomahawk cruise missiles are the "weapon of choice" for engaging well- defended targets, Young said. Tomahawks were first used at the beginning of Operation Desert Storm in 1990. They have been used in all conflicts since then, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. The missiles are extremely accurate and have a 1,000-mile range. They hug the earth and travel at 550 miles per hour. This makes them extremely difficult to detect and even harder to shoot down.  
 
The missile can be launched from surface ships or submarines and carries a 1,000-pound warhead.  
 
The missile buy is the first multiyear procurement contract to reach this stage. Young said the Navy-Raytheon team effort made this work well and helped drive down the missile price. He said the working relationship can be used as an example for other similar procurements. He specifically mentioned applying the procurement lessons learned in this buy to the Standard missile. Raytheon Vice President Harry Schulte said the company is also applying them to the Joint Stand-off Weapon.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Technology Project Brings Innovation to EP-3E Signals Intelligence Aircraft
 
 
(Source: US Navy; issued Sept. 30, 2004)
 
 
 PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- A new technology project called Story Maker will bring critical improvements to the capability of the Navy EP-3E to identify potential hostile targets. The EP-3E is the Navy’s sole land-based signals intelligence reconnaissance aircraft.  
 
In mid-August, the Office of Naval Research Missile Defense, Future Naval Capabilities, transitioned the science and technology of a composite combat identification and data fusion technology development project to Maritime Surveillance Aircraft Program Manager (PMA) 290, Capt. Steven R. Eastburg for use in the EP-3E aircraft.  
 
“The Story Maker project will provide our EP-3 crews with greatly improved information gathering capability,” remarked Eastburg. “We must continue to develop new systems to strengthen the quality and accuracy of this information. This will be critical to ensuring our success in the global war on terror.”  
 
Through the application of newly developed algorithms funded by the Office of Naval Research, Story Maker fuses and reasons with on-board and off-board collected data, building evidence for track identification. The result is faster and improved target identification accuracy, critical in the reduction of missed engagement opportunities and the prevention of fratricide.  
 
In early 2004, comparison testing was conducted with an EP-3E operational crew engaged in a simulated wartime scenario at the EP-3E Systems Integration Lab in China Lake, Calif. The test results found that the addition of Story Maker enabled identification of 10 times as many tracks with 98.6 percent accuracy, a significant improvement over current capabilities. The new technology will be fielded on the EP-3E Joint Airborne SIGINT Architecture Modification Common Configuration aircraft as a systems upgrade in mid-year 2006.  
 
Based on the P-3 Orion airframe, the mission of the EP-3E is to provide national, fleet and theater commanders with near-real-time signals intelligence information. With sensitive receivers and high-gain dish antennas, the platform exploits a wide range of electronic emissions from deep within targeted territory. The Story Maker project will further support this mission.  
 
“We will continue to provide our Sailors and air crew with everything they need to ensure that the U.S. military’s best operational Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft continues to improve,” said Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Special Missions Aircraft Department Head Cmdr. James Baratta.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Fourth Submarine Joins Canada's Navy
 
 
(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued Oct. 1, 2004)
 
 
 OTTAWA --- The last of four diesel electric submarines purchased for Canada's Navy will be accepted formally this weekend by the Canadian Forces from the British Ministry of Defence at an official ceremony in Faslane, Scotland.  
 
As part of the acceptance procedure the submarine, HMS UPHOLDER, will be formally renamed HMCS CHICOUTIMI at a ceremony tomorrow involving both Canadian and British officials.  
 
"The acceptance and transfer of this last of four submarines acquired by Canada from the United Kingdom is a hugely significant milestone that underscores the cooperation between our two countries," said Bill Graham, Minister of National Defence. "HMCS CHICOUTIMI's handover to the Canadian Forces illustrates the progress we are making in establishing a modern submarine fleet that will serve Canadians extremely well for the next 25 years."  
 
"Despite the delays in getting all four submarines to Canada they represent a vital national asset. These vessels are cost effective and essential to the Navy and its mandate to defend Canada and its interests," said Vice-Admiral Bruce MacLean, the commander of Canada's Navy. "Two of our submarines, HMCS WINDSOR and HMCS VICTORIA, are already taking on taskings off our East and West Coasts."  
 
The submarine and its Canadian crew are expected to begin their transit to Halifax, NS, next week.  
 
After arriving in Canada, it is expected that CHICOUTIMI will go to sea immediately so that new submariners can receive much-needed practical training at sea.  
 
HMCS CHICOUTIMI is the last of four VICTORIA Class submarines purchased from the UK for Canada's Navy. Extremely quiet and stealthy, these boats are well suited for a range of critical roles including Canadian maritime sovereignty and supporting foreign policy objectives.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Navy to Christen New Guided-Missile Destroyer Forrest Sherman
 
 
(Source: US Naval Sea Systems Command; issued Oct. 1, 2004)
 
 
 WASHINGTON --- The newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), will be christened on Saturday, Oct. 2, during a 10 a.m. CST ceremony at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula, Miss.  
 
Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Ann Sherman Fitzpatrick will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her father. In the time-honored Navy tradition, she will break the bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen Forrest Sherman.  
 
DDG 98 honors Adm. Forrest Percival Sherman (1896-1951). Sherman served as Chief of Naval Operations from November 1949 until his death on July 22, 1951. Following World War I service, he was designated a naval aviator and later served on USS Lexington (CV-2) during the carrier’s first year in service.  
 
He twice held squadron commands on USS Saratoga (CV-3) and served as navigator on USS Ranger (CV-4) prior to joining the staff of Commander, U.S. Fleet. When World War II began, he served in the War Plans Division under the Chief of Naval Operations. After assuming command of USS Wasp (CV-7) in May 1942, he attained the rank of Captain and earned the Navy Cross for his leadership during the early phases of the occupation and defense of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.  
 
After a Japanese submarine sank Wasp on Sept. 15, 1942, he became chief of staff to Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet and served in that capacity until November 1943, when he became deputy chief of staff to Adm. Chester W. Nimitz.  
 
He earned a Distinguished Service Medal for his role in planning the capture of the Gilberts, Marshalls, Marianas, Western Carolines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Following a brief tenure as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Mediterranean, Sherman became the youngest man ever to serve as Chief of Naval Operations on Nov. 2, 1949. One previous ship, USS Forrest Sherman (DD-931) (1955-1982) was named in his honor, earned a Navy Unit Commendation and performed distinguished service off Lebanon (1958), Quemoy-Matsu (1958), Cuba (1961), and in the Indian Ocean (1980).  
 
Forrest Sherman is the 48th of 62 Arleigh Burke class destroyers currently authorized by Congress. This highly capable multi-mission ship can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, in support of the National Military Strategy. Forrest Sherman will be capable of fighting air, surface, and subsurface battles simultaneously. The ship contains myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century.  
 
Cmdr. Michael G. Van Durick of Pennsylvania will become the first commanding officer of the ship, which has accommodations for 383 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Forrest Sherman is being built by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. It has an overall length of 509.5 feet, a waterline beam of 59 feet and a navigational draft of 32 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

San Diego’s Knight & Carver Announces $6 Million Contract to Build M Ship 80 for Testing by U.S. Navy
 
 
(Source: Knight & Carver YachtCenter; issued Oct. 1, 2004)
 
 
 SAN DIEGO --- Knight & Carver YachtCenter, in partnership with M Ship Co. of San Diego, has been awarded a $6 million contract to construct a high-speed 80’ x 40’ transport vessel for the U.S. Navy.  
 
Characterized by its patented, carbon-fiber “double-M” hull -- which provides remarkable stability, maneuverability and a minimal wake at high speeds -- the “M Ship 80” will be built by Knight & Carver in approximately eight months, with work expected to start Nov. 1, 2004.  
 
The vessel -- most accurately described as a large-scale, high-speed test platform -- was designed by the marine design firm of M Ship Co., headed by Charles Robinson and William Burns.  
 
The M Ship 80 project has been sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Force Transformation (OFT) and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, headquartered in Newport, R.I.  
 
The vessel will be powered by four Caterpillar engines, with an anticipated cruising speed of 40 to 50 knots. Because of its double M-Hull (given that name because its hull consists of two M-shaped hulls adjacent to each other), M Ship 80 will provide the U.S. Navy with a faster and more efficient way to transport troops, equipment and supplies to combat regions around the world.  
 
“This contract marks a significant step forward for our company,” said Sampson Brown, president/chief executive officer of Knight & Carver. “While we have repaired a wide variety of military vessels in recent years, this is the first major military construction project we have undertaken. We are proud to join in this exciting partnership with M Ship Co. and the U.S. Navy.” Knight & Carver intends to supplement its existing workforce for the project, with initial hires starting immediately.  
 
“We’re thrilled that the Navy has recognized the world-class partnership we’ve put together to build a revolutionary ship design that could transform the way the Navy moves on the water,” said William Burns of M Ship Co.  
 
In M-Hull vessels, as designed and patented by M Ship Co., the compression of the air beneath the hull creates an air cushion and increases propulsion efficiency by converting wave energy to boat lift. The technology is relatively new, dating back only to 1999, when, based on a newly-created design by M Ship Co., Knight & Carver built a 65-foot M-Hull water-taxi for commercial use in the wake-sensitive canals of Venice, Italy. The vessel proved highly effective in minimizing water damage to the canals and promptly led M Ship Co. to consider similar applications of the M-Hull on both larger and smaller vessels.  
 
As part of its partnership with M Ship Co., Knight & Carver has constructed a demo model of a 40-foot M-Hull motoryacht. Production of additional similar vessels is expected soon. A smaller, aluminum-hulled 38 foot prototype, featuring the M Hull with cruising speeds in excess of 40 knots, has been a frequent sight along San Diego Bay in recent months.  
 
-ends-

[Fábio G.]

DD

Fogo deflagra a bordo de submarino canadiano ao largo da Irlanda

Um submarino militar canadiano enviou esta terça-feira um pedido de socorro após um incêndio ter deflagrado a bordo, noticia a imprensa canadiana.



O «HMCS Chicoutimi», com 56 tripulantes a bordo, encontra-se a cerca de 425 km da costa ocidental da Irlanda.
As chamas já foram extintas e não qualquer registo de ferimentos, mas o submarino enviou uma mensagem pedindo para ser rebocado até um porto.

A Marinha britânica já enviou dois navios para o local para auxiliarem o submarino canadiano.

05-10-2004 17:43:45

[JLRC]

BAE Systems Awarded Contract Extension for Victoria Class Submarine Support
 
 
(Source: BAE Systems; issued Oct. 5, 2004)
 
 
 The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) has awarded BAE Systems a one-year CDN $10.9M (£4.5M) contract extension to support the Victoria Class submarines by providing in-country engineering and supply management.  
 
The support is managed by a team of 55 Canadian nationals based at Ottawa in Ontario, Halifax in Nova Scotia and Victoria in British Columbia who are employed by BAE Systems' Canadian subsidiary of its Customer Solutions and Support business. By teaming with other companies in the Canadian naval industry, BAE Systems has been supporting the three Victoria Class submarines delivered to the Canadian DND under the terms of a government-to-government contract.  
 
The team will also support HMCS Chicoutimi, the fourth and final submarine, which was handed over to the Canadian DND on 2nd October 2004 at Her Majesty's Naval Base in Faslane, Scotland, UK.  
 
As part of its contractual obligations, BAE Systems has already achieved and exceeded its initial 'offset' obligation, or Industrial Regional Benefits (IRBs) and is maintaining significant and expanding ongoing business relationships with Canadian industry. Examples of this work include: producing platform and signature management systems and simulators for naval ships and submarines designed by BAE Systems; supplying aluminium castings and casings for BAE Systems' land based products and producing machine tools, investment castings and integrated circuits for BAE Systems' military aircraft and avionics businesses.  
 
Dougie Sharp, General Manager of BAE Systems Projects (Canada) Ltd. said, "This contract extension will strengthen our links with the Canadian DND and industry to the benefit of all parties. Our aspiration is for a long-term relationship on submarine support within Canada. Together we can give the Canadian Navy high levels of submarine capability, availability and reliability at the lowest possible cost for the taxpayer. Our aim is to leverage the global strength of BAE Systems to maximise investment into Canada by way of IRBs, continuing to create and maintain jobs within the Canadian industrial market place."  
 
All the submarines have been upgraded from Upholder to Victoria Class under contract from the UK's MoD by BAE Systems at its Barrow-in-Furness facility. In addition to the upgrade work, the company has successfully supplied integrated logistics and spares, plus operator and maintainer training though its joint venture company - Flagship Training Ltd.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Benthos and Coda Octopus to Develop Stingray ROV and Echoscope II System for Port, Harbor Security
 
 
(Source: Benthos; issued Oct. 4, 2004)
 
 
 NORTH FALMOUTH, Mass. --- Benthos Inc. and Coda Octopus Group, Inc. jointly announced today that they have signed a letter of intent to enter into a joint development and marketing agreement (JD&M agreement) to develop, manufacture, market and sell an underwater inspection class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that integrates the Stingray ROV and the Echoscope II. The proposed product will be targeted at the Port and Harbor Security Market.  
 
The Benthos Stingray ROV is an inspection class ROV designed to be easily configured for numerous tasks. Stingray is a vehicle that can be deployed and recovered by one person from any stable platform. With its cameras, lights and ancillary sensors, the Stingray provides the perfect tool for underwater video inspection.  
 
The Coda Octopus Echoscope II is a unique, patented technology delivering forward looking, high resolution, 3D images underwater in real time. Echoscope employs a highly innovative multi-element transducer design, high-speed digital signal processing, advanced sonar beam forming techniques and intuitive image display software.  
 
The Stingray ROV and Echoscope II package will provide rapid wide area collection of high-resolution 3D images. Once a suspicious object is identified using the 3D images provided by the Echoscope II, the Stingray ROV video camera could then be used for real-time close-up inspection and classification of the object. This combined system will be easy to operate and provide a fully integrated solution for underwater port and harbor security missions, including ship hull inspections, pier surveys and general harbor security monitoring.  
 
The development of the integrated Stingray ROV and Echoscope II will provide a unique inspection vehicle with high maneuverability and high-resolution detection capabilities, fulfilling a Port and Harbor Security need that has been clearly expressed by numerous agencies such as navies, coast guards, port authorities, and customs services.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Incident on Board HMCS Chicoutimi
 
 
(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued Oct. 5, 2004)
 
 
 OTTAWA --- HMCS CHICOUTIMI while transiting from the UK to Canada experienced a fire while at sea off the west coast of Ireland earlier today.  
 
The submarine and its Canadian crew of 57 left Faslane, Scotland, on October 4 and was en route to Halifax, NS, when the fire occurred. The cause of the fire has not been determined, but it was contained and is now out. The incident is under investigation.  
 
The crew is safe. Three sailors experienced smoke inhalation but do not require evacuation from the submarine. We are in the process of informing family members.  
 
The submarine is currently without propulsion northwest of Ireland. The Canadian Forces are working in cooperation with the Royal Navy to assist CHICOUTIMI as required.  
 
HMCS CHICOUTIMI is the last of four diesel electric submarines purchased for Canada's Navy and was accepted formally last weekend by the Canadian Forces from the British Ministry of Defence at an official ceremony in Faslane.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

MMA Completes First Major Review
 
 
(Source: US Navy; issued Oct. 6, 2004)
 
 
 PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- The Navy completed a Systems Requirements Review (SRR) of the Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) program Sept. 30 at a three-day conference in Seattle.  
 
The review was a crucial step that permits the program to continue forward in the Systems Development and Demonstration phase of the acquisition. This was the first major review of the program since the contract was awarded to Boeing June 14.  
 
“I’ve been extremely impressed with the work the MMA Team has produced to date,” remarked Stu Young, technical director, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, and designated MMA SRR review board chairman, during the meeting’s conclusion. “The very few action items generated indicate that this program is on the right track.”  
 
The purpose of the SRR was to ensure understanding of the planned system and contract requirements. Meetings included briefings and discussions that provided a detailed review of documents, such as the technical specifications, statement of work and contract schedule.  
 
“The reason this review is so important is that it is critical we get our requirements right,” said Maritime Surveillance Aircraft Program Manager (PMA 290) Capt. Steven R. Eastburg. “What we’re doing here today is setting a foundation for this program. When you have a strong foundation and you have the requirements right the first time, you’re going to be successful.”  
 
Conducted as an in-depth examination of the program, the SRR meeting was attended by the MMA team from the contractor that will develop the aircraft, Boeing, and the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Surveillance Aircraft Program Office (PMA 290). Additionally, representatives from the Chief of Naval Operations, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Program Executive Office for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault and Special Mission Programs were present to aid in the analysis.  
 
“Fleet representation in this process is very important,” remarked MMA Deputy Program Manager Cmdr. Joe Rixey. “They need the MMA to be delivered on schedule, and we want to bring them the very best aircraft possible so that they can accomplish their mission.”  
 
During the SRR event, Rixey recognized the contributions of the Fleet Introduction Team (FIT) members who were in attendance. The FIT, a group comprised of servicemembers currently serving in the fleet, provides valuable insight into the needs of the end users of the MMA and acts as a balance to merge warfighter requirements with acquisition resource constrained realities.  
 
“Holding SRR is the first step to systematically transfer warfighter requirements to a functional allocation and ultimate design synthesis," said MMA Lead Systems Engineer for the Navy Mike Gomes. "Throughout this program, we intend to strongly adhere to such rigorous systems engineering principles and practices; it’s the way to really ensure success."  
 
The Navy’s replacement platform for the P-3C Orion, MMA will secure the Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol, while transforming how the Navy’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force will man, train, operate and deploy. The platform will be a modernized air vehicle that will provide more combat capability from a smaller force and less infrastructure, while focusing on worldwide responsiveness and interoperability with traditional manned forces and evolving unmanned sensors.  
 
Built on a modified Boeing 737-800ERX, MMA will bring together a highly reliable airframe and high-bypass turbo fan jet engine with a fully connected, state-of-the-art open architecture mission system. This combination, coupled with next-generation sensors, will dramatically improve anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare capabilities.  
 
-ends-